Depression In Thailand Research Articles

The Study on the Effect of Owning Pets, Dogs or Cats, On the Rates of Stress and Depression in Thailand

Several studies have reported that pets can help people decrease their stress and depression. This encourages people to own either cats or dogs to help their mental health. This research aims to find the effectiveness of pets owning on the rate of stress and depression between petting dogs and cats. This research may help people who struggle with mental health. If this research confirms that dogs and cats have an impact on stress and depression, this may help people decide whether to own dogs or cats. On the other hand, if owning dogs or cats doesn’t have a correlation, people may need to see other ways or may discuss other factors that would come after buying a cat such as time, price, and pet’s behavior. Thus, we conducted a survey consisting of 33 questions. We had 26 pilot responders, revealing 0.819 for pet owners and 0.899 for non-pet owners. Our results from one-way ANOVA (F-test) show no correlation between dog owners, cat owners, and non-pet owners for their stress and depression rates (p-value = 0.333). This suggests that owning pets is not the main factor that could help people to step away from stress and depression.

The prevalence and economic burden of treatment-resistant depression in Thailand

BackgroundThe objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among patients with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) and undergoing antidepressant treatment, to estimate the economic cost of MDD, TRD, and non-treatment-resistant depression (non-TRD), and to examine the differences between TRD and non-TRD MDD in a Thai public tertiary hospital.MethodsThis was a combined study between retrospective review of medical records and a cross-sectional survey. The sample size was 500 dyads of antidepressant-treated MDD patients and their unpaid caregivers. MDD patients’ medical records, the concept of healthcare resource utilization, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: depression and mood & mental state versions (WPAI: D, MM), the Class Impairment Questionnaire (CIQ), and the Family Experiences Interview Schedule (FEIS) were applied as the tools of the study. Pearson Chi’s square, Fisher’s Exact test, and independent T-test were employed for statistical analysis.ResultsThe proportion of TRD was 19.6% among antidepressant-treated MDD patients in a Thai tertiary public hospital. The results of the study indicated that several factors showed a statistically significant association with TRD criteria. These factors included younger age of MDD patients, a younger age of onset of MDD, lower body mass index (BMI), a history of suicide attempts and self-harm, as well as frequent smoking behavior. The annualized economic cost of TRD was 276,059.97 baht per person ($7,668.33), which was significantly higher than that of cost of non-TRD (173,487.04 baht or $4,819.08). The aggregated economic costs of MDD were 96.8 million baht annually ($2.69 M) if calculated from 500 MDD patients and unpaid caregivers. This contributed to the economic cost of TRD 27.05 million baht (98 respondents) and the economic cost of non-TRD 69.74 million baht (402 respondents).ConclusionsThe economic burden associated with TRD was significantly higher compared to non-TRD among antidepressant-treated MDD patients. Specifically, both direct medical costs and indirect costs were notably elevated in the TRD group.

Depression Literacy: An Analysis of the Stigmatization of Depression in Thailand

This article summarizes an investigation of the stigmatization of depression in Thailand to determine whether there is a relationship between depression literacy and personal stigma and perceived stigma. This mixed-method study utilized two questionnaires, the Depression Literacy Questionnaire and the Depression Stigma Scale, by Griffiths et al. and subsequently asked participants for their opinions of depression and stigmatization within the Thai context. About 914 online surveys were processed using correlational and descriptive analysis. Results indicate that the depression literacy score was moderate to average. Personal stigma, on average, was low to moderate. Perceived stigma, on average, was moderate to high. The correlation between depression literacy and personal stigma was a strong negative correlation, unlike in depression literacy and perceived stigma. The correlation between personal stigma and perceived stigma was a moderate positive correlation. The level of negative stigma was lower than the perceived stigma. This research indicated that depression literacy had a significant negative correlation with personal stigma but no correlation with perceived stigma. Other factors such as sex, level of education, religion, and prior experiences with people with depression play a moderate role in the level of depression literacy and personal stigma.

An Acoustic Study of Fundamental Frequency and Pauses in Depressive Teenagers in Thailand: A Pilot Study

Depression is a major public health problem among Thais. It has been reported that 30% of 70 million people living in Thailand suffer from depression. Suicide is a potential end result from mental illness, which normally involves depression. Diagnosis and treatment are key factors in the prevention of depression. In traditional diagnosis, there are two key methods of testing: (i) a screening test and interview and (ii) a biomarker test. In recent years, detecting depression with speech—a kind of biomarker test— has gained high acceptance. Cues of suprasegments in speech, such as pauses, loudness, tones, rhythm, and phonation, have been scientifically proven using acoustic methods of being indicators of depression. This paper has two main objectives: (i) to conduct a review of the use of suprasegments as cues and an analysis of the cues capable of indicating depression in Thailand and (ii) to analyze an acoustic study of pitch measured by the fundamental frequency and silent pause length in depressed and non-depressed participants. The method used in the study is the acoustic method of linguistics. Praat program version 6.2.09 was used to analyze the data. This is a pilot study of three depressed Thai students aged 20 compared with three non-depressed Thai participants. We propose a new perspective upon Thai language speech indicators that combines two or more cues in detecting depression (e.g. depression inventory with pause duration and word signs). Interestingly, it was found that the pitch of Thai tones may not be an appropriate cue for depression in Thais. This result conflicts with previous research conducted in other non-tonal languages. The results of this study lay the foundation for a Thai speech index for depression that can be further developed for the detection of depression.

Efficacy of a self-help manual in increasing resilience in carers of adults with depression in Thailand.

Caring for a person with a mental illness can have adverse effects on caregivers; however, little is known about how best to help such caregivers. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a cognitive behaviour therapy-guided self-help manual in increasing resilience in caregivers of individuals with depression, in comparison to caregivers who receive routine support only. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted, following CONSORT guidelines, with 54 caregivers allocated to parallel intervention (self-help manual) (n = 27) or control (standard support) (n = 27) groups. Resilience was assessed at baseline, post-test (week 8), and follow up (week 12). Intention-to-treat analyses were undertaken. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a significant difference in resilience scores between the three time points, showing a large effect. Pairwise comparisons between intervention and control groups indicated resilience to be significantly different between baseline and post-test, and between baseline and follow up, but not between post-test and follow up. Overall, the intervention group showed a slightly greater increase in resilience over time than the control group; however, the time-group interaction was not significant. Guided self-help is helpful in improving caregivers' resilience and could be used as an adjunct to the limited support provided to carers by mental health nurses and other clinicians.

Effectiveness of guided self-help in decreasing expressed emotion in family caregivers of people diagnosed with depression in Thailand: a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundHigh expressed emotion (EE) can extend the duration of illness and precipitate relapse; however, little evidence-based information is available to assist family caregivers of individuals with depression. In the present exploratory study, we examined the effectiveness of a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) based guided self-help (GSH) manual in decreasing EE in caregivers of people with depression, in Thailand.MethodA parallel group randomised controlled trial was conducted, following CONSORT guidelines, with 54 caregivers who were allocated equally to GSH or control group (standard outpatient department support). In addition, both groups were contacted weekly by telephone. EE was assessed, using the Family Questionnaire (FQ), at baseline, post-test (Week 8) and follow-up (Week 12).ResultsFQ scores at baseline indicated that both groups had similar, though moderately high level of EE. However, between baseline and post-test EE scores decreased markedly in the intervention group, but in contrast, they increased slightly in the control group. Between post-test and follow-up, little change took place in the EE scores of either group. Overall, the intervention group recipients of GSH showed a significant decrease in EE whereas the control group recipients of standard outpatient department support reported a slight increase in EE.ConclusionThese findings provide preliminary evidence that GSH is beneficial in reducing EE in caregivers, which is advantageous to family members with depression and caregivers. The approach may be used as an adjunct to the limited outpatient department support given to caregivers by mental health professionals and, perhaps, to caregivers who do not attend these departments.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366639. Registered 21 July 2014.

Using bibliotherapy to assist people to recover from depression in Thailand: Relationship between resilience, depression and psychological distress

Thailand is experiencing a marked increase in the prevalence of depression. Self-help has an important role in helping people with depression. The aim of this study was to assess if a favourable relationship existed between resilience, depression and psychological distress in participants with depression who receive bibliotherapy in comparison with a control group. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 56 participants with moderate depression. The intervention group received the self-help manual, whereas the control group received standard care. The findings showed a positive relationship between higher levels of resilience and lower levels of depression and psychological distress in the intervention group only, between baseline and posttest. The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of bibliotherapy for individuals with depression in Thailand. Bibliotherapy can be incorporated easily into mental health nurses and other clinicians' work in promoting recovery in people with depression in the community.

Evaluation of a bibliotherapy manual for reducing psychological distress in people with depression: a randomized controlled trial

This article reports a study to evaluate the efficacy of a self-help manual in reducing psychological distress in individuals with moderate depression. The prevalence of depression in Thailand is increasing markedly (e.g. from 56-197 per 100,000 population between 1997-2007). We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 54 outpatients with depression in Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. Participants were assigned randomly to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participants were given a self-help manual in addition to standard care and treatment while the control group received standard care and treatment. Psychological distress was measured with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data were collected between October 2007-April 2008. The findings showed statistically significant differences between both groups in their levels of psychological distress (e.g. tiredness, hopelessness, restlessness). At post-test, the distress scores of the intervention group were lower than those in the control group. Between post-test and 1-month follow-up, distress scores continued to decrease steadily in the intervention group but only decreased slightly in the control group. The findings affirm the benefits of bibliotherapy or self-help therapy in book form in helping to reduce psychological distress in people with moderate depression. The approach is easy to use and can be incorporated as an adjunct to standard care and treatment. Bibliotherapy can be used by community mental health nurses and other clinicians to reduce psychological distress and promote recovery in people with moderate depression.

Effectiveness of a self-help manual on the promotion of resilience in individuals with depression in Thailand: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe prevalence of depression is increasing markedly in Thailand. One way of helping people with depression is to increase their resilience; good resilience is associated with positive outcomes in depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a self-help manual on the resilience levels of individuals with depression living in the community in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand.MethodsFifty-six participants with a diagnosis of moderate depression were assigned randomly to either an intervention (n = 27) or control (n = 29) group by means of independent random allocation, using computer generated random numbers. Fifty-four completed the study (two were excluded shortly after baseline data collection), so an available case analysis was undertaken. The intervention group were given a self-help manual and continued to receive standard care and treatment, while the control group continued to receive standard care and treatment. Both groups were also given a short weekly telephone call from a researcher. Participants were assessed at three time points: baseline (Week 0), immediate post-test (Week 8), and follow-up (Week 12). Data were collected between October 2007 and April 2008.ResultsThe findings showed statistically significant differences between the intervention and the control group, and within the intervention group, in their resilience levels. Simple main effects analyses of group within time showed a significant difference between both groups at follow-up (p = 0.001), with the intervention group having a higher resilience score than the control group. Simple main effect of time within the intervention group showed a significant increase in resilience scores from baseline to post-test time points (p < 0.001), from baseline to follow-up (p < 0.001), but not from post-test to follow-up (p = 0.298).ConclusionsThe findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of bibliotherapy for increasing resilience in people with moderate depression in a Thai context. Bibliotherapy is straightforward to use, and an easily accessible addition to the standard approach to promoting recovery. It is incorporated readily as an adjunct to the work of mental health nurses and other professionals in promoting resilience and enhancing recovery in people with moderate depression in the community.Trial registrationhttp://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12611000905965.aspx

Antidepressants or CBT for major depression in Thailand?

Antidepressants or CBT for major depression in Thailand?

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Antidepressants and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Major Depression in Thailand

Objective To determine the cost-effectiveness of fluoxetine and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depression in Thailand. Methods A microsimulation model was developed to describe the variation in course of disease between individuals. Model inputs included Thai data on disease parameters and costs while impact measures were derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis of the international literature. Fluoxetine as the cheapest antidepressant drug in Thailand was analyzed for treatment of episodes plus a 6-month continuation phase and for maintenance treatment over 5 years of follow-up. CBT was analyzed for episodic treatment and for 5-year maintenance treatment. Results are presented as cost (Thai bahts) per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted, compared with a “do-nothing” scenario. Results The cost-effectiveness ratios of all interventions were below 1 time Thailand's gross domestic product of 110,000 bahts per capita. The uncertainty ranges around the cost-effectiveness ratios overlap: maintenance treatment with CBT 11,000 bahts per DALY (8,000–14,000); episodic treatment with CBT 23,000 bahts per DALY (10,000–36,000); episodic plus continuation drug treatment 33,000 bahts per DALY (26,000–44,000); maintenance drug treatment 38,000 bahts per DALY (30,000–48,000); and episodic drug treatment 42,000 bahts per DALY (32,000–57,000). Conclusions CBT and generic fluoxetine are cost-effective treatment options for both episodic and maintenance treatment of major depression in Thailand. Maintenance treatment has the greatest potential of health gain.

Evidence-Based Nursing-Sensitive Indicators for Patients Hospitalized with Depression in Thailand

The aim of this study was to develop and validate nursing-sensitive indicators for patients hospitalized with depression in Thailand. The initial draft, consisting of 12 categories with 37 subcategories, was then evaluated by experts in the US and Thailand. Hospital records were then utilized to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the indicators. The finalized instrument consisted of 11 categories with 43 items with a validity of .98 and internal consistency of .88. This is the first set of indicators developed to evaluate nursing-sensitivity for patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of depression in Thailand. Having nursing indicators for depressed patients provides nurses with concrete tools to evaluate their work with depressed patients, allowing these staff to assess their work in a very specific, methodical, and consistent manner. When problems are discovered, both the staff and administration can work to address these issues through training, procedural changes, and departmental shifts.

PMH11 COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT (CBT) FOR MAJOR DEPRESSION IN THAILAND

Objectives: To determine the cost-effectiveness of interventions for major depression in Thailand. Methods: A microsimulation model was developed to describe the course of disease in individuals. Model inputs included Thai data on disease parameters and costs while impact measures are derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis of the international literature. Results are presented as cost (Thai Baht) per disability adjusted life-year (DALY) averted, compared to the null scenario (do nothing). Fluoxetine as the cheapest antidepressant drug in Thailand was analyzed for treatment of episodes plus a 6 month continuation phase and for maintenance treatment over 5 years of follow-up. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was analyzed for episodic treatment and for 5-year maintenance treatment. Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) of fl uoxetine for episodic treatment with or without a continuation or maintenance phase are just below one times GDP per capita in Thailand of 110,000 Baht. CBT during an episode of depression (ICER = 39,000) is more cost effective than medications (ICER = 88,000); a maintenance version of CBT is the most cost-effective option with an ICER of 27,000. Episodic drug treatment has the lowest cost (250 Million Baht) and averts 3000 DALYs. Episodic treatment with CBT, which has an ongoing effect for 1.5 years, costs 100 Million Baht more than drug treatment but it averts more than 6000 DALYs compared to drugs. Conclusions: CBT is the most cost-effective treatment option for both episodic and maintenance treatment. Maintenance treatment is the more cost-effective of the two. However, there is currently a lack of mental health personal, especially psychiatrists and psychologists, who would be expected to deliver CBT in Thailand. Antidepressant drugs are quite a bit less effective but also less costly than CBT.